The defending NBL champions are set to host Australian sport’s first Christmas Day game.

The Sydney Kings will face off against arch-rivals Melbourne United, with the historic fixture set to be a game changer for Australian sport.

The game will be played at 7.30pm at Qudos Bank Arena, the innovative idea was pushed by Sydney co-owner and NBA champion Andrew Bogut.

Sport on the religious holiday is a tradition in the United States and the NBA has been playing on December 25 since 1947.

Owner of the Sydney Kings Paul Smith told Ben Fordham society is evolving and the game is for people looking for something to do.

“There’s a lot of people out that don’t have family around them and might be looking for something to do.”

The Kings owner is hoping that game becomes an annual event.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview and Paul’s thoughts on the historic event

Image: Getty/Mark Metcalfe